King James Version

What Does Numbers 12:6 Mean?

Numbers 12:6 in the King James Version says “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision,...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”

Numbers 12:6 · KJV

Context

4

And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5

And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7

My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Read Numbers 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God distinguishes Moses' unique prophetic ministry from other prophets who received visions and dreams. While these indirect revelations were common, Moses enjoyed face-to-face communion with God. This direct communication established Moses' authority and prefigured Christ, who has seen the Father and makes Him known (John 1:18). The phrase 'if there be a prophet' acknowledges other legitimate prophets while elevating Moses' unparalleled intimacy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern prophets typically received messages through dreams, visions, or ecstatic states. Moses' unique access to direct conversation with God set him apart as unmatched mediator until Christ, 'a prophet like unto Moses' (Deuteronomy 18:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' unique access to God point forward to Christ as the ultimate Mediator?
  2. What difference should it make that you have direct access to God through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְעוּ2 of 14

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָ֣א3 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

דְבָרָ֑י4 of 14

“now my words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִם5 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִֽהְיֶה֙6 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נְבִ֣יאֲכֶ֔ם7 of 14

“If there be a prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֗ה8 of 14

“among you I the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּמַּרְאָה֙9 of 14

“unto him in a vision”

H4759

(causatively) a mirror

אֵלָ֣יו10 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶתְוַדָּ֔ע11 of 14

“will make myself known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בַּֽחֲל֖וֹם12 of 14

“unto him in a dream”

H2472

a dream

אֲדַבֶּר13 of 14

“and will speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בּֽוֹ׃14 of 14
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 12:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:5Genesis 31:10-11Genesis 46:2Acts 22:17-18Luke 1:22Daniel 10:8

Test Your Knowledge

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